and went his way. (26) But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares
also. (27) So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in
thy field? from whence then hath it tares? (28) He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants
said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? (29) But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up
the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. (30) Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time
of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them:
but gather the wheat into my barn‖.
The second parable is also another that Y‘shua gives some explanation to (in verses 37-43). These verses
are really a synopsis of what is seen in the book of Revelation, which is in turn based on prophecies from the
Tenach (Old Testament) showing YHWH's vengeance being carried out by His angels of judgment. Here, the
concept of belonging to one of two Kingdoms is seen with the reference to Children of the Kingdom and
Children of the wicked one. Note that the latter, though part of "Satan's kingdom", are also said to be in the
Kingdom of YHWH until it is time for them to be cast out.
Interestingly, even those in Satan's kingdom are serving the will of YHWH:
―For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast,
until the words of God shall be fulfilled‖. (Rev 17:17)
13:31-33 The third and fourth parables
―(31) Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard
seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: (32) Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is
grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the
branches thereof. (33) Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven,
which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened‖.
Verses 31-32 are the third parable and verse 33 the fourth. These short parables are the most peculiar. The
first, involving the mustard seed, would indicate that the Kingdom of YHWH would grow enormously despite
its humble beginnings. However, the reference to the birds coming to land in the branches may be an
indication of evil in the Kingdom. The latter parable involves leaven, which is also normally a metaphor for sin
or evil. In this case as well, it may seem that Y‘shua is saying that evil spreads throughout the Kingdom.
A grain of Mustard seed
- Small beginnings
Man's way of doing things is to start with an impressive show: to do something big, something spectacular,
something that will win the attention and admiration of as many people as possible. This is natural and
human, but very immature; especially when the end is total failure. YHWH's way is the very opposite. He
begins everything He does in a small way: with a seed, an idea, a word, a baby. But then there is growth,
increase and steady progress. Let us examine this spiritual concept of 'small beginnings' and steady
growth and see how the Most High seeks to work in our lives. And if He isn't already doing so, then let us
determine to change.
Points to Note:
The size of the seed. It was the least (smallest) of all the seeds;
The man sowed it in his own field;
Its steady and continued growth. It became the largest plant in his garden.
"The common mustard of Palestine is sinapis nigra or black mustard. It grows wild, attaining the height of a
horse and rider ... It is also cultivated in gardens for its seed, which is used as a condiment‖. (Westminster
Dictionary of the Bible)
2. What is a seed?
The seed represents a characteristic of the Kingdom of Heaven. Initially, it may appear of small account and
not worthy of attention. But, like that tiny mustard seed, YHWH's truth is infinitely powerful; and once it takes
root in the human mind, it can become the most important thing in a believer's life. YHWH's Kingdom: His
Word, His Law, His power, His authority, His fame and His ever-growing influence over all things may initially
appear insignificant and small; but never underestimate truth and its power. This fact is encompassed in the